Oconto firefighters work to place a ladder going to the second floor of a home on fire about 9 p.m. Oct. 17.

The multifamily two-story structure at 1038 McDonald St. received heavy damage from fire, smoke and water, according to the Oconto Fire & Rescue Department.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, said Capt. John Reed.

A neighbor reported the fire about 8:40 p.m. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke coming from the eaves. Fire could be seen from the west side.

Reed said firefighters entered and tried to knock the fire down from the inside, but had to take up a defensive posture when the wood structure became compromised.

It was 1 a.m. before the fire was mostly extinguished, and firefighters were on scene until about 3 a.m., he said.

The house, owned by Susie Caelwarts, had been for sale.

Two engines, one aerial ladder truck, one rescue truck, one ambulance and 19 firefighters responded from OFRD. Assisting were one engine and five personnel from Oconto Falls; one engine, one equipment van and eight personnel from Pensaukee; and one ambulance with three EMS personnel from Oconto Falls.

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Home heavily damaged by fire

Fire heavily damaged a vacant home in the city of Oconto on Oct. 17.

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